Annamay McNally

Coalisland mum, Claire O’Hanlon, who has been appointed to a leading role with the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK), admits she is “nervous but confident” about taking on the post.

Claire’s five year-old son Luke suffers from the life-limiting condition, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and Claire has been a vocal campaigner in raising awareness and championing the development of potential new medical treatments.

And, at a meeting of the Northern Ireland Council of MDUK, Claire, who works as a business adviser with Dungannon Enterprise Centre, was appointed Chair/Vice Chair.

Claire, also mum to Coen, two, hopes the position will give mums like her a bigger role in helping the charity implement priorities for patients in Northern Ireland.

“It’s a little out of my comfort zone, but a great opportunity to help people in Northern Ireland living with all types of Muscular Dystrophy”, Claire adds.

“I am nervous about it but I’m also confident enough that I can do it. It is a really good chance to help make a difference in the lives of those with the condition and their families.”

The role involves liaising with families and supporters of the charity which will have over 100 runners - including 10 from the Coalisland and surrounding areas - taking on the Belfast City Marathon on May 2 to raise much needed funds.

Poignantly, the MDUK runners will join Derry mum Louise McGrotty, who is taking on the challenge in memory of her son Evan. Evan, who died tragically with his dad, brother, grandmother and aunt in a drowning accident, suffered from the condition.